California 1115 Waiver Expected to Receive Federal Approval Shortly

The Medi-Cal program will likely face implementation of significant policy changes within the next year in addition to planning for expanding coverage with healthcare reform. The passage of the California 1115 Waiver will likely shift many Medi-Cal beneficiaries currently enrolled in fee-for-service Medi-Cal to managed care plans in 14 counties. Designed mainly as a cost-saving mechanism for the state, the waiver also attempts to improve coordination of care for seniors and people with disabilities, children with special health needs and Medicare and Medi-Cal dual eligibles.

The full implementation plan can be reviewed at: http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/Documents/Waiver%20Renewal/Waiver_ImpPlan_5-2010.pdf

The California Healthcare Foundation is also monitoring the waiver passage and published a recent update: http://www.californiahealthline.org/capitol-desk/2010/9/final-days-looming-for-waiver-approval.aspx.